Room Divider Design Ideas

Beyond simply dividing rooms, room dividers can provide a new look to a space by adding texture or serving as pieces of art. Besides serving multiple functions, they can consist of many things. Here are some ideas for creating your own dividers:

The spaciousness of an open floor plan might not be everything the homeowner dreamed of, especially when it comes to defining different areas of the room. Thankfully, there are ways around that. Room dividers are a functional yet beautiful way to break up that huge open space. By doing just a bit of research in the beginning, introduce order and function in a classy, beautiful, and eclectic manner.

1. Use Columns to Keep an Open Feel

Columns are a great way to break up a large space in an oversized room. They define the area without completely blocking it off. Columns can either be built in, securely anchored to floor and ceiling, or be freestanding. The overall decor of the room itself should determine the style of the columns. For example, if the room has a more modern look with angular lines, cubic columns work the best. To divide the space even more, consider a half wall connecting the two columns. Top it with a slab of granite or marble to complete the look.

2. Get Creative with Windows

Consider using a bank of windows for a unique twist on a more traditional room divider. Purchase old wooden wood-framed windows and refinish in whatever color or stain would fit the decor. For example, whitewashed wood gives the room a crisp, clean look while a darker oak or walnut stain is warm and inviting. Use a chain to hang the windows securely from the ceiling. This will create a room divider that lets light through while at the same time defines a seating or dining area.

3. Transform Your Large Kitchen with a Barrier Island

Barrier islands are room dividers best utilized in a large kitchen and dining space. When the delineation of the cooking and eating areas of the room is hard to do, a barrier island is the perfect answer. It is simply a large island that helps direct the flow of traffic around the kitchen work area and into the community seating area. Quite often, there are barstools on one side that allow people to sit and chat with the cook. The islands are normally made of wood, but there are varieties of different materials used to make the top.

Selecting just the right top for a barrier island sets the tone for the entire room. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of material prior to making a final decision.

4. Add Privacy with Frosted Glass

One of the more challenging rooms to divide is the bathroom. Quite often, the toilet is placed in such a spot where there is little to no privacy. This is where a room divider makes the perfect addition. A frosted glass room divider works perfectly in a bathroom, regardless of whether the space is large or small. Simply purchase a pane of frosted glass, large enough to hang from floor to ceiling, and position it next to the toilet. Using a chrome frame sets the glass off nicely, adding a unique focal point to the bathroom.

5. Create a Folding Screen for Non-Permanent Division

Folding screens are one of the more traditional means of using room dividers. These come in a variety of different styles, and are easy to modify so they fit right in with the existing decor. For homeowners who have a knack for do-it-yourself projects, make a folding screen with a few sheets of pinewood, fabric swatches, and paint. Hinge the panels together to make a perfect partition for any room of the house.

How to Buy a Room Divider on eBay

eBay has a large selection of room dividers and many great deals on them as well. Start out by using either the basic or advanced search options to search for room dividers. Specify the type of divider, such as columns or folding screens, as well as the type of material to narrow the search down even more. Be sure to check out the seller's feedback, as this will be a good indicator as to how trustworthy they are.